Coping with grief and bereavement
Understanding grief, finding support and knowing where to turn after someone dies.
There is no right or wrong way to grieve, and there is no set timetable. For some people, the weeks after the funeral can feel particularly difficult, when the arrangements are over and everyday life begins to change.
If grief is affecting your daily life or you feel you are struggling to cope, consider talking to someone you trust or contacting your GP. You can also contact any of the support organisations listed below.
Bereavement and emotional support
Samaritans
Someone to talk to, at any time of day or night, if you are struggling or need someone to listen.
Telephone: 116 123
Opening hours: 24 hours a day, every day of the year
Website: samaritans.org
Cruse Bereavement Support
Bereavement support, a helpline and written guidance on what happens after someone dies.
Telephone: 0808 808 1677
Opening hours: Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday 9.30am to 5pm, Tuesday 1pm to 8pm, closed at weekends
Website: cruse.org.uk
Sands
Support for anyone affected by pregnancy loss or the death of a baby.
Telephone: 0808 164 3332
Opening hours: 10am to 3pm Monday to Friday and 6pm to 9pm Tuesday to Thursday, closed on bank holidays
Website: sands.org.uk
Child Death Helpline
Support for anyone affected by the death of a child.
Telephone: 0800 282 986
Website: childdeathhelpline.org.uk
Child Bereavement UK
Support for bereaved children and young people, and for families affected by the death of a child.
Telephone: 0800 028 8840
Website: childbereavementuk.org
Dying Matters
A campaign encouraging people to talk more openly about dying, death and grief.
Website: hospiceuk.org
NHS guidance on grief
Information about common grief reactions and practical steps that may help.
Website: nhs.uk
Citizens Advice
Free advice on practical, financial and legal matters following a death.
Website: citizensadvice.org.uk
GOV.UK: what to do when someone dies
Official guidance on what to do after someone dies, including registering the death and using the Tell Us Once service.
Website: gov.uk
Sunderland Coroner’s bereavement support page
Local bereavement support information provided by the Sunderland coroner’s service.
Website: sunderlandcoroner.co.uk
Local support in Sunderland
Betsy Jenny Counselling and Wellbeing Cafe offers support in Sunderland city centre, including listening sessions and counselling. Some services may be free or available at a reduced cost. Contact the organisation directly to confirm current services, eligibility and availability.
We include this service as a local option for families to consider. We are not affiliated with the organisation, so please contact it directly for details of its services.
Our Christmas memorial trees
Each Christmas, we place a memorial tree at both of our branches. Families we have supported can write a message in memory of someone special and hang it on the tree.
Find out more about our Christmas memorial trees.
We are here to listen
We are not counsellors, but we understand how difficult bereavement can be. If you are unsure where to turn, contact us and we will do our best to point you towards appropriate local support.
